A native of Portland, Maine, the subject eventually settled in New York where he pursued a literary career. In 1831 the editor of the New York "Mirror" sent him to tour Europe and write about his experiences. The letters, later collected in "Pencillings by the Way" (1844), made Willis a literary celebrity by the time he returned. This portrait was painted while Willis was traveling in Italy.

Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.